Chemical Engineer
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Development & Execution
Identify and evaluate plant optimisation, process improvement and capital project opportunities.
Develop project scopes, technical solutions, business cases, budgets and implementation plans.
Perform or coordinate equipment sizing, process design, technical specifications, costing and quotation reviews.
Manage projects from initial concept and approval through execution, commissioning, close-out and benefit verification.
Coordinate contractors, suppliers, consultants and internal stakeholders throughout project execution.
Ensure project documentation, technical drawings, reports and operating information are accurately maintained and updated.
Monitor project progress, costs, timelines and technical deliverables.
Ensure projects are implemented with minimal disruption to ongoing plant operations.
Process Engineering & Production Support
Develop a detailed understanding of the plant's key unit operations and production processes.
Analyse production and process data to identify trends, constraints, losses and improvement opportunities.
Provide technical support to Production in troubleshooting plant problems, process deviations, downtime and quality concerns.
Conduct root-cause analyses and develop practical engineering solutions to prevent recurring failures.
Plan, coordinate and oversee laboratory trials, plant trials and process changes.
Support Production during plant start-ups, shutdowns, commissioning and operational upsets.
Evaluate process performance and recommend improvements to optimise plant output, efficiency and reliability.
Work closely with Production and Maintenance teams to ensure engineering solutions are practical, sustainable and operationally effective.
Continuous Improvement
Identify and implement opportunities to improve production volumes, yields, energy efficiency, operating costs, reliability and product quality.
Develop process improvement roadmaps and track the benefits delivered by completed projects.
Identify process losses, bottlenecks and inefficiencies and develop appropriate improvement initiatives.
Translate engineering changes into sustainable operating procedures, standards, training materials and monitoring systems.
Participate in Lean, continuous improvement and waste-reduction initiatives.
Support a culture of data-driven problem solving and continuous operational improvement.
Safety, Compliance & Operational Readiness
Ensure projects and process changes comply with applicable legal, safety, quality and environmental requirements.
Participate in HAZOP studies, risk assessments, management-of-change processes and incident investigations.
Ensure proposed plant modifications are safe, practical, maintainable and operable by Production.
Consider SHEQ requirements throughout project design and implementation.
Provide technical training and operational guidance following project implementation.
Ensure appropriate procedures, documentation and controls are in place before new or modified processes are handed over to Production.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
BSc Degree in Chemical Engineering - Essential
Minimum 8 years' relevant experience within a chemical, manufacturing or industrial plant environment.
Experience in process improvement, plant projects, production support and/or process engineering.
Demonstrated experience taking engineering work from concept through implementation and commissioning.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and project coordination capabilities.
Ability to interpret process information, production data and technical drawings.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Competent in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE
The following experience will be advantageous:
Exposure to process control systems such as DCS, SCADA or PLC systems.
Experience with process historians, data analysis tools or process simulation software.
CAPEX preparation and project justification.
Equipment selection and technical specification.
Contractor and supplier management.
Project costing and quotation evaluation.
Root-cause analysis methodologies.
HAZOP and risk assessment experience.
Management-of-change processes.
Knowledge of ISO management systems, Lean or Six Sigma principles.
Experience with plant shutdowns, start-ups and commissioning.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Strong technical judgement and practical problem-solving ability.
A hands-on and solutions-focused approach to engineering.
Ability to work effectively with Production personnel, engineers, technicians and contractors.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work across departmental and functional boundaries.
Self-motivation and strong organisational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines.
A strong sense of ownership from problem identification through to implementation.
Calm and effective decision-making in a fast-paced industrial environment.
Strong commercial awareness and consideration of cost, efficiency and business impact.
Leadership potential, with an interest in developing people and progressing into broader technical or operational responsibility.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Own reliable transport is required.
Must be comfortable working within an operating industrial plant environment.
Must be willing to work at heights and in confined spaces where operationally required and appropriately controlled.
Extended working hours may be required during shutdowns, commissioning, plant upsets and restarts.
The role may participate in production standby or after-hours technical support as required.
WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY?
This is an opportunity for an experienced Chemical Engineer to move beyond traditional project engineering and play a meaningful role in the ongoing performance of a live manufacturing operation.
The position provides exposure to:
Process Engineering
Production Support
Plant Optimisation
Capital Projects
Continuous Improvement
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
Commissioning & Plant Modifications
SHEQ & Operational Risk
Cross-functional Leadership
The role will suit an engineer who enjoys being close to the operation, working collaboratively with Production and Maintenance, and taking ownership of engineering challenges through to practical implementation.
There is also potential for the successful individual to develop towards future technical, project or operational leadership responsibilities.